Writing about the business of design

Welcome to a library of articles about the business of design.

You'll find articles about current research, our experience founding and managing a design studio and about insights uncovered during mentoring sessions with Australian designers.

The articles are released weekly via a news-packed EDM. Subscribe via the homepage

Why clients resist change (and how to help them embrace it)

When clients resist your design, it’s rarely about the design itself. Understanding the “why” can help transform how you present creative and guide clients through change.

56% of clients think agency websites lack clarity

Clients think agency websites lack clarity because they all look the same. They want to understand what we do better than another – that’s clarity in positioning. We’ve found 3 good examples …

The big issues for Australian design agencies

The biggest challenge facing Australian designers isn’t competition—it’s commoditisation. Here’s how to position yourself as a strategic partner rather than a creative supplier.

Why are there no retirement parties for designers?

Most design careers end not with champagne and speeches, but with a gradual fade into irrelevance. Here’s why there are few retirement parties for designers

The freelancer dilemma: peer or assistant?

What kind of help do you need? Do you want a peer who can collaborate and work independently or an assistant with a deep skillset to help you get the job done?

What clients really think: 5 key insights from 2025 research

Analysis of what 680 design-buying clients said about their relationship with their design agency; from AI expectations to challenges and differentiation issues.

How design business owners can use AI to help clients

The most valuable AI applications for designers aren’t about replacing creativity — they’re improving client service and delivering greater value.

What type of creative business suits you?

Bigger isn’t the only way for a creative business to grow. Here’s 3 proven business models – the skill is to pursue the one that matches your skillset and needs.

Five signs your studio is actually a production house

Many studios are morphing into production houses. The work is steady, the income reliable, but the creative satisfaction and profit margins are shrinking.

Defining and measuring design impact

The word “impact” is everywhere. Creative agencies and organisations alike are using it—but how many truly define and measure what they mean by it?

Why we’ve changed our mind about design value

We’ve helped many creatives explain their value. We believed if designers could just articulate their value better, clients would pay higher fees. We were wrong…

How to measure design impact without client data

Most designers know their work makes a difference, but proving it can be tricky when clients won’t share data. Here’s how to demonstrate impact without access to metrics.

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